Introduction to
Facial Fillers are gel-like substances injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth lines, soften creases, or enhance facial contours. Most frequently made from Hyaluronic Acid (HA), the filler is used to correct volume loss in various areas of the face such as cheeks, lips, and perioral lines. The filler provides immediate results with little to no downtime and can also stimulate natural collagen production.
At Mommy Makeover Hawaii, we offer several types of facial fillers and each one has its own great benefits.
Juvederm is one of the most commonly used dermal fillers used to restore facial contours and improve signs of aging. It uses Hyaluronic Acid (HA) as its base and can target the cheeks, lips, and the area around your nose and mouth. Most Juvederm results will last between six months and two years.
Perlane is a long-lasting dermal filler that adds volume and lifts your skin to reduce the appearance of severe facial wrinkles and folds. The primary difference between Perlane and other cosmetic gel fillers is that the chemical structure of the hyaluronic acid allows for richer amounts of HA to be contained in molecules comprising Perlane. Consequently, Perlane is designed to address and correct deeply lined, thicker skin than Restylane, which works better on thin-skinned individuals exhibiting fine lines and mild to moderate wrinkling of facial skin. Perlane can last between eight and ten months.
Radiesse is composed of calcium hydroxylapatite, another substance that occurs naturally within the body. These injections are used to add volume and fullness to the backs of the hands. You may see some bruising, redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site, but you can return to your normal activities the same day. Radiesse results can last up to one year.
Restylane is one of the most studied of all injectable skin treatments and has always been proven to be safe and effective. Aging is unavoidable, and one of the signs of aging is a decrease in skin elasticity. This is caused by a decrease in the amount of hyaluronic acid in the skin. Restylane replaces this lost hyaluronic acid. This substance acts to draw water to itself, increasing your skin’s volume and fullness. This fills in the folds and wrinkles in your skin. These results can last for up to six months, but studies have shown that additional treatments as a booster can extend the length of time that your skin will retain its more youthful appearance.
The initial treatment alone can last up to six months, but if you combine Restylane with Perlane treatments, and do follow-up treatments at four and nine months, you can prolong the youthful effects of Restylane for up to 18 months.
Sculptra is an FDA-approved dermal filler used for the treatment of facial fat loss. It is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure and can restore a youthful appearance in those who have had fat loss on their face. Fat loss, known as lipoatrophy, can be the result of aging or disease.
Sculptra can improve the faces of those with significant fat loss. The procedure works as follows: Sculptra is injected under the skin in areas affected by lipoatrophy. The compound stimulates your body to produce natural collagen to help to lessen the appearance of fat loss on your face. Sculptra is an FDA-approved compound that is used in many other medical applications such as stitches and implants. Sculptra is safe and over time, it is absorbed by the body.
Sculptra may require multiple treatments; the number of treatments is dependent on your needs. The manufacturer notes that “Your health care provider will decide with you the number of treatment sessions and the amount of Sculptra you will need at each treatment session.” Patients with severe facial fat loss may require 3 to 6 treatments.
Once you have completed your treatments of Sculptra the results can last for up to 2 years (as reported by the manufacturer), but each person is different. You might need to return for touch-up injections to help you to maintain your appearance.
At Mommy Makeover Hawaii, we have seen our Honolulu, HI Facial Filler patients enjoy the following results from their treatment:
The best candidates for Facial Fillers in Hawaii are those who have the following characteristics:
First Steps
The first step in becoming our next Facial Filler patient is to contact Mommy Makeover Hawaii and schedule your consultation. When you come in for your appointment, you will meet with either Dr. Schlesinger or a certified Aesthetics team member, who will discuss your goals and medical history, and answer any questions you may have to determine the best facial filler for you. When talking about your medical history, you must be open and honest with us about your needs. Everything discussed is discrete, and the consultation will help us construct a plan for the most successful outcome. Once everything is discussed and taken into consideration, your treatment plan will be created. If you agree with the plan, you will be able to have your treatment performed immediately afterward, or you can schedule your appointment for another day with our Patient Coordinator.
When you arrive, you’ll be made comfortable in our reclining chair. We will make sure that your face is clean before the injection and will use either a cold compress or numbing cream to make your experience more tolerable and painless. Injections are marked beforehand and will take just a few seconds. After the injections, it’s normal for our team to gently massage the area so the filler is evenly dispersed. The treated area will be examined and we will only add more filler if needed. This process will continue until you are both satisfied with your appearance.
The entire treatment process can take anywhere from a few minutes up to an hour, which will vary depending on your desired results.
Once you are finished with your Facial Filler injections, you should be able to return to your normal routine. Almost immediately, you will see the results in a fuller appearance to your skin.
There may be an initial “overfilled” appearance in the treated areas, potential palpable lumps or hardened areas from the filler, some slight swelling from each injection, and in the case of more extreme, hypersensitive reactions, hives, and swelling. should subside within a day or two. We always recommend avoiding any intense or strenuous activity for the first 24 – 48 hours to minimize any swelling or bruising. You may feel a bit tender for the next day or so, but you shouldn’t require any pain medication. You can always use over-the-counter pain medication if you feel like you need it.
If you experience any pain or weakness on one side of your body, please contact us immediately.
What is the cost?
The cost of Facial Fillers in Hawaii is determined by which filler is used, the amount of filler used, and the areas being treated, among other factors. The best way to find out how much your treatment will cost is to come in for your consultation and have a treatment plan created for you. Out Patient Coordinator will be able to give you a price breakdown for every step of your treatment.
With more than 30 years of plastic surgery experience in Hawaii, S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS, has performed more than 20,000 plastic surgery procedures. After taking his premedical studies at the University of Michigan, he continued his medical studies at the Medical College of Virginia, where he was the highest honor graduate. Our highly experienced team of professionals in the fields of patient coordination, administration, nursing, and plastic surgery have come together to assure you, the patient, of the best surgical experience possible.
To discuss undergoing a Facial Filler in Hawaii, contact Mommy Makeover Hawaii today at (808) 597-8835 to schedule an initial consultation at our office in Honolulu. S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS will be glad to speak with potential Hawaii Facial Filler patients during that time.
